Health

Further observations on the fetal inflammatory response syndrome: a potential homeostatic role for the soluble receptors of tumor necrosis factor alpha

Article Abstract:

The fetal inflammatory response syndrome appears to cause increased blood levels of the receptor for tumor necrosis factor. This syndrome can cause fetal death if it is severe enough. The presence of increased levels of the receptor could block the inflammatory activity of tumor necrosis factor.

A fetal systemic inflammatory response is followed by the spontaneous onset of preterm parturition

Article Abstract:

Premature labor may be partly caused by a fetal inflammatory response to an infection within the uterus. Researchers measured interleukin-6 levels in samples of fetal cord blood from 41 pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes and also tested samples of amniotic fluid for bacterial infection. Fifty-eight percent of the amniotic fluid samples tested positive for bacterial infection. Eighty-eight percent of fetuses with elevated interleukin-6 levels delivered within 48 hours compared to 35% of fetuses with lower levels. Interleukin-6 is released during inflammation.

The fetal inflammatory response syndrome

Article Abstract:

A fetal inflammatory response as measured by elevated interleukin-6 levels may predict which infants will have a poor outcome following premature birth. Researchers measured interleukin-6 levels in cord blood samples taken from 73 pregnant women in premature labor. Overall, 53% of the infants born had severe health problems. Half of the infants had elevated interleukin-6 levels and 78% of those with elevated interleukin-6 levels had severe health problems, compared to 30% of those with lower interleukin-6 levels.